Have you been looking at suburbs in the Richmond area and feeling a bit overwhelmed? We're not surprised. The Richmond metropolitan area has been growing at such a rapid clip that even the locals can find it a daunting tasktogo new home shopping.
So how fast is Richmond growing? Well,in 2011 and 2012, this citygrew at a faster rate than Chicago, Phoenix and San Diego. And all of that growth has meant that new developmentshave been springingup around Richmond like mushrooms after a summer storm,creating new communitiesand giving some older ones a freshlook.So to help you narrow down your search for the best suburb to fit your lifestyle requirements, we'veput together alist of six stand-out communities in the Richmond area.
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Located in Chesterfield County, Bon Air was first developed during the late 1800's as a resort community for the residents ofRichmond. Bon Air'sdevelopers thought that the area had several things going for it. One, itwas located just a quick train ride away from Richmond and, two, it sat at ahigher elevation, 328 feet,that some thought would offer Richmond residents a respite from the city's heat and humidity. Today, this charming community, arecognizedhistoric district, is popular withthose seeking their first homes, as prices in this suburb are relatively affordable. In addition,Bon Air is also an excellent neighborhood for commuters. Many of the area's major highways run through or near Bon Air, including thePowhite Parkway, the Chippenham Parkway,I-95 and Midlothian Turnpike.The only negative? Homes in BonAirtypically sell very quickly.
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Lakeside is an up-and-coming suburblocated in Henrico County, just north of Richmond's city line. It is an excellent choice for commuters as residents enjoy easy and close access toI-95, I-64 and Route 1. Lakeside is home toan interesting mix of residents. There are old retirees who have lived in these mostly post-World War IIhomes for years as well asnew families who have been attractedto this areaby itswell-constructed houses on moderate-sized lots. Lakeside is also a blend ofblue-collar and white collar workers. In addition, the businesses in this suburb are also a quirky blend of old-time shops and new businesses that have been attracted to thisarea by its recently changing demographics.
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WhenU.S. News and World Report published its2016 list of the best high schools in Virginia, two Henrico County Public Schools institutions made the top 30. They were Deep Run High School, ranked number 17, and Mills E. Godwin High School, ranked number 28. If you're interested in your children attending one of these two schools, you should consider purchasing a home in upscaleShort Pump. Thiscensus-designated placeis located in Henrico County and is considered one of the most desirable of the Richmond suburbs.
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According to the U. S. Census Bureau, the 23113 zip code in Midlothian had the highestmedian household income in the Richmond area. Not surprisingly,you'll find many stunning large estate homes in the area known as theRobiousRoad Corridor thatrange in price from thehigh six figures to thelow- and mid-seven figures. Midlothian, which also includes the unincorporated historic Village of Midlothian, was ranked number sixby CNBC on its list of 10 Perfect Suburbs. You can find Midlothian in Chesterfield County.
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Ginter Park was one of Richmond's first so-called streetcar suburbs, and its historic district is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is a nice walkable suburbwith mature trees. And if you have a thing for older homes, you'll love Ginter Park. Many of theoriginal housesthat were built around thelate 1800's and early 1900'scan still be found in this area and most have been lovingly maintained.
Ginter Park is an excellent compromisefor city lovers as it is located just four miles from Richmond'sdowntown area and enjoys easy access toI-64, I-95, Powhite Parkway. In addition, this suburbis locatedless than three milesfrom Richmond'sFan Districtandabout five miles from Careytown and all of its excellent shopping and dining options. And if you enjoy museums, Ginter Park is just about fourmiles from the Museum District. And then there is Ginter Park's own MacArthur Avenue corridor, which offers residents an eclectic and interesting mix of shops and fun places to dine.
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Goochland is acensus-designated place that is the county seat of Goochland County.It is located approximately 32 miles from Richmond, although parts of Goochland County are actually only about 13 miles west of Richmond. Goochlandis also about a 17-mile drive to the retail therapy available at Short Pump Town Center, an upscale open-air mall. This areais an excellent choice for anyone seeking housing in arural area with a lot ofopen space. It is especially popular with the equine set, and you can find many lovely horse properties in Goochland.And, of course, there are also a few residential developments, such as The Meadows,which offerlargehomes on acreage.Goochlandis also a great spot for river lovers. Its Tucker Park at Maidens Crossing, for example, offers residents 1,200 feet of access directly on the banks of the James River.
